Italy eyes Germany
This three-pronged model range takes
Maserati into a new price territory; a Maserati hasn’t sold in the $130k-$150k
area since the late nineties. The top 301kW/550Nm Ghibli S sells for $149,990,
$45k less than the Quattroporte S with the same powertrain. It supposedly
rattles off the 100kay dash in 5.0sec flat, and should comprise around 40 per
cent of sales.
The least expensive Ghibli is the base
petrol variant at $129,990, powered by a direct injection 3.0-litre V6
turbopetrol delivering 246kW (330bhp) and 500Nm of torque from 1,750-4,000rpm.
It has a rated sprint time of 5.6sec, mean fuel use of 9.6L/100km, and is
expected to account for another 40 per cent of Ghibli retails.
Rear
seats are soft and comfortable, and both head and legroom are competitive
For an extra $2,000, you could opt for the
Ghibli D, a turbodiesel that kicks out 205kW and 600Nm, the latter from
2,000-2,600rpm. It has a quoted 0-100 time of 6.3sec, and thanks in part to
idle-stop it consumes diesel at an average rate of 5.9L/100km, for a touring
range of up to 1,100km. Ghibli D features a sound resonator to enhance aural
appeal. This utilises a tuned chamber in the exhaust, designed to amplify the
more alluring frequencies.
All of these variants use the ubiquitous ZF
eight-speed automatic, capable of 150msec shift times, and drive goes to the
rear wheels via LSD only.
The four-door coupe shape sets the car on a
metaphorical collision course with the Mercedes CLS and Audi A7. It will also
butt heads with E-Class, XF, and various A6 and 5 Series models. Maserati says
it will produce no Ghibli versions beneath those already mentioned, but reckons
a stronger turbodiesel is likely at some point, as is a future V8 range topper
with at least 400kW on offer. It appears as if Maserati is aiming the blowtorch
at certain RS, M and AMG badges.
Ghibli
uses bi-xenon headlights with LED daytime running lights
Sports first
The new Ghibli, codenamed M157, owes
nothing to its predecessors, other than the name. It debuts the new midsize
platform architecture, essentially an abbreviated version of the QP’s, but it
will find much use in future FCA models, including rear drive Alfas, and in the
next Gran Turismo. Because of commonality of the major bits like engine and
transmission, the Ghibli weighs under 100kg less than Quattroporte
(1,810-1,835kg) but that’s enough to make it feel a touch livelier. Certainly
it bounds into turns more quickly, the much shorter wheelbase aiding direction
changes.Hydraulic steering gives it a touch that many competitors with electric
helms lack. On the downside the sportier set-up gives it a busier ride, though
in fairness we drove versions with optional 20-inch and 19-inch wheels. It
comes standard with 18s. A firmer ride is expected because of the shorter
wheelbase and its fixed suspension. Active damping is optional. We’d say go for
it if you want as much luxury as sport in your car. That way, when you upgrade
to the obligatory 20-inch rims the ride won’t suffer so much over indifferent
surfaces.
Quality
gap to German rivals is evident in the paint finish; this plastic valance panel
is darker than the bordering steel items
Goodies galore
It may be the cheapest Maserati but it’s
still loaded. All versions get Sport and Manual buttons for the transmission,
and big fixed aluminium shift paddles at the wheel which tilts and telescopes
electrically. Seats are also powered, leather bound and heated and ventilated
up front. With extended leather trim there are 19 possible colour combinations.
There’s also a central touch screen controller, B&W 15-speaker sound
system, powered sunroof, electronic parking brake, LED daytime lights, dual
zone climate air, satellite navigation, active cruise control, 12v outlets in
the rear and boot, and USB inputs front and rear. Euro NCAP rated it five stars
for crashworthiness.
Shallow
boot could be the main fly in the practicality ointment
The importer expects to sell 20 Ghiblis in
New Zealand this year, accounting for half of total Kiwi sales. Expect more
conquests next year, and even more the following, when Levante dots down.
